Thailand, a country that is very much part of our family. It is an inspiring country for a designer. There is color, composition and atmosphere in every mind picture.
Walking the pavements of Bangkok you come across situations that make you think…. The gal on the corner who sits with her treadle sewing machine amidst the car fumes, street chefs and vendors of ‘everything’. (in fact you can buy a new treadle for 1400 Bt $50)
The blind woman who sings like an angel as she stands on her small patch, microphone in hand and amplified music to accompany her voice in a box over her shoulder.
We ate local food in a small restaurants, traveled on a tuk tuk through the traffic, walked without a map and found ourselves amongst the locals on little back street klongs and Jasmine scented temples. In one Wat (Temple) we observed the Senior Citizens sitting and chatting under the shady trees in the compound waiting their turn for their free haircuts, medical checks and advice. Saffron robed monks walked amongst them and added serenity to the scene.
Of course shopping is a top priority in Bangkok and our bargains were excitedly examined when we arrived back at the hotel each evening…. One for each kid, some for friends and of course the grandkids feature high on the list. Having extra luggage on this tour has been a real bonus. I usually have to watch every pound.
Yesterday we visited the War Cemetery situated next to the Bridge on the River Kwai. 6500 headstones lay in carefully tended lawns each stone accompanied by a beautiful flowering plant…. Sometimes it was a rose, often a bright pink frangipani. Keith found his Uncles name in the book of names at the entrance and it directed us to the grave of Thomas John Mortimer Holland. We stood silently paying homage to an Uncle Keith and his brothers never knew, who aged 27, in terrible circumstances, died as a prisoner of the Japanese in WW2. I think we are the first members of the family to view his grave. Sadly his last brother passed away last year, it’s too late to show him the photo.
We drove through bright green paddy fields, crisp white salt pans, fields of sugar cane all accented by bright colored buildings, cars and the most amazingly decorated buses you have ever seen. They are art pieces on wheels. We sped down the river on fast water taxi's and sampled the wares of the boat vendors. I just don't know how they can cook on those little canoe type vessels!!!
We return home tonight and I have just a few days before I take off again to teach….but it's sure been an experience.
